On every update I get an error and boot to recovery mode

[chfilm]

Hi,

every time I install an OSX Update, no matter how small, my m1 macbook pro goes through all the steps, but then when it's time to reboot, it gets stuck for a while on the loading bar and then boots to mac os recovery mode, stating there was an error migrating the user settings to the new version. Then I am tasked with re-installing Mac OS entirely or recover from a time machine backup etc. I dont wanna do any of these, so eventually I figured out that If I just shut down the computer via the menu and reboot it normally, it boots up just fine, with the update being installed.

Why does this keep happening and how can I prevent it from happening? It's kinda stressful, cause each time I'm afraid that my fix won't work anymore and that I lose all my data....

 

[Bigwaff]

I've seen this happen when there are incompatible system extensions installed. Recommend you review installed system extensions and make sure you have latest software version installed for version of macOS you are using. Etrecheck is useful and helpful for review purposes.

EtreCheck

etrecheck.com

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"...when it's time to reboot, it gets stuck for a while on the loading bar and then boots to mac os recovery mode, stating there was an error migrating the user settings to the new version."

Seems like the problem is in your user settings or data, somewhere.

Try waff's suggestion for EtreCheck first.

If that doesn't help, I'd suggest:
1. Back up with time machine (although I like CarbonCopyCloner and SuperDuper better)
2. Use the "erase all content and settings" option to COMPLETELY WIPE the MBP of ALL your personal information, settings and data.
3. Now it will boot "as if brand new", asking you to set up an initial account.
4. Connect your backup and let setup assistant migrate from the backup.

There's a possibility the "re-installed" MBP may exhibit the same problems as it did before this.
If that happens...
Go to the the users & groups setting pane and CREATE A BRAND NEW ACCOUNT for test purposes.
MAKE SURE it has administrative privileges.
Once it's created, log out of your "regular" account and reboot.
Then, log into the NEW (test) account.
Do the problems go away?

If so, now you KNOW that the problem is SOMETHING in your regular account.
Finding out just what can be a job.
Sounds like you have some work ahead of you...

Hmmm...
You don't need to do the reinstall to try "the test account approach" above.
You could try it right now.

 

[chfilm]

Thank you both- well the question is, how do I check if what I did helped? I can’t fake a software update to test 😅

 

[Fishrrman]

Wait until THE NEXT software update...